Top runners begin arriving for USA Track and Field marathon Olympic Trials

USA Gymnastics will for the first time since 2000 announce both its men’s and women’s Olympic teams during the Olympic Trials on June 28 through July 1 in San Jose, Calif., the federation’s president said Wednesday.

The federation in the past has delayed naming its women’s team until the last possible moment before athletes are to leave for the Games. However, USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny said the trials and Olympics are in such close proximity this year that it makes sense to select the full team at the trials.

The five-member men’s team likely will be announced on July 1 on the final day of men’s competition June 30, and Penny said NBC, which will broadcast the trials, will remain on the air while the selection committee picks the five-person women’s team July 1.

The women’s selection committee will be headed by women’s national team coordinator Martha Karolyi, and Kevin Mazeika of Houston, the two-time men’s Olympic coach and the men’s national team coordinator, will be a part of the men’s committee.

Two locals at taekwondo trials

Olympic medalists Mark Lopez of Sugar Land and Nia Abdallah of Houston will compete in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Thursday and Friday at the next phase of USA Taekwondo’s Olympic team selection process.

Winners will advance to the final trials March 10-11 in Colorado Springs, where they will face the top seeds in their respective weight divisions with Olympic berths on the line. Top seeds include two-time Olympic gold medalist Steven Lopez and his sister, 2008 bronze medalist Diana Lopez.

Top runners begin arriving

If Chevron Houston Marathon entrants are looking for inspiration for the 40th annual race Sunday, they’ll find no shortage of role models in the field of runners who began arriving Wednesday for the USA Track and Field marathon Olympic Trials on Saturday.

On the men’s side, the field includes 61 entrants who posted qualifying times of at least 2:19:00 and under in a full marathon, led by 2008 Olympian Ryan Hall at 2:04:58 in the 2011 Boston Marathon. Thirty-nine women met the “A” marathon standard of at least 2:39:00, led by Boston runner-up Desiree Davila at 2:22:38.

Just under 400 men and women reached the qualifying standard in the marathon, half-marathon or other events, including 22 former Olympians in all events. The oldest male competitor is Mbarak Hussein, 46, of Albu-querque, N.M.; the oldest woman is Somers Smith, 50, of Arroyo Grande, Calif., who has qualified for the trials a record seven times.

Bekana Daba crosses the finish line to win the men's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Bekana Daba crosses the finish line to win the men's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Bekana Daba won the men's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Bekana Daba won the men's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Mamitu Daska nears the finish line before winning the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Mamitu Daska nears the finish line before winning the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Mamitu Daska kisses the ground after winning the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Mamitu Daska kisses the ground after winning the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Jefferey Eggleston runs on his way to victory in the men's division of the Aramco Services Half Marathon.

Jefferey Eggleston runs on his way to victory in the men's division of the Aramco Services Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Participants of the EP5K Fun Run approach the finish line.

Participants of the EP5K Fun Run approach the finish line.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Donna Sterns is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Donna Sterns is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Taharka McCleave is on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Taharka McCleave is on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Rochelle Ray is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Rochelle Ray is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Raquel "Rocky" Proctor is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Raquel "Rocky" Proctor is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Raul Martinez watches runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. About 22,000 runners participated in the event.

Raul Martinez watches runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. About 22,000 runners participated in the event.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Martin Fagan leads Rob Watson as they made their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Martin Fagan leads Rob Watson as they made their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Maya Jaisingh wears an Elvis costume while watching runners run along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday.

Maya Jaisingh wears an Elvis costume while watching runners run along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Marathon fans line the course during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Marathon fans line the course during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Julio Quintana, 51, of Houston, hand is held by Brad Onhaizer while Quintana was treated by a medical crew after suffering form cramps in his legs while running along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon. Quintana stood up and slowly made his way toward the finish line after being treated. less

Julio Quintana, 51, of Houston, hand is held by Brad Onhaizer while Quintana was treated by a medical crew after suffering form cramps in his legs while running along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Sharing their first kiss as a married couple, Roman Rabourn and his wife Melissa Rabourn (formerly Manson) were married during a short ceremony with family and friends in Eleanor Tinsley Park near the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon. This was the 21st marathon for Roman and the first for Melissa. less

Sharing their first kiss as a married couple, Roman Rabourn and his wife Melissa Rabourn (formerly Manson) were married during a short ceremony with family and friends in Eleanor Tinsley Park near the 24th ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Terry Buckner with the Houston Hash House Harriers cheers on runners at their cowboy and Indian themed beer stop near the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Terry Buckner with the Houston Hash House Harriers cheers on runners at their cowboy and Indian themed beer stop near the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A dog is walked as runners make their way down Allen Pkwy. near the 24th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

A dog is walked as runners make their way down Allen Pkwy. near the 24th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Elizabeth Wade, 5, swings in her front yard as runners make their way downUniversity Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Elizabeth Wade, 5, swings in her front yard as runners make their way downUniversity Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After a short early morning rain runners volunteer, Cora Federman, watches as runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

After a short early morning rain runners volunteer, Cora Federman, watches as runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A group of elite runners including Wilfred Murgor (center) and Nick Arciniaga make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

A group of elite runners including Wilfred Murgor (center) and Nick Arciniaga make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon Sunday.

Runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon Sunday.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A supporter lets a pack of runners know they have "nice legs" as they make their way down Allen Pkwy near the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

A supporter lets a pack of runners know they have "nice legs" as they make their way down Allen Pkwy near the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Taharka McCleave on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Taharka McCleave on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Mamitu Daska crosses the finish line to win the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Mamitu Daska crosses the finish line to win the women's division of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After a short early morning rain runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

After a short early morning rain runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Runners head down Key St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Runners head down Key St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Haley Pollard on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Haley Pollard on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Runners make their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Evyn Snook, 5, waits for her father to pass as runners made their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Evyn Snook, 5, waits for her father to pass as runners made their way down Michaux St. during the fifth mile of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Vikram Mittal throws his arms in the air on the way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Vikram Mittal throws his arms in the air on the way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Chuck Roose waves to the crowd on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Chuck Roose waves to the crowd on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Clyde Drexler jumps in the air as he finishes the Aramco Services Half Marathon.

Clyde Drexler jumps in the air as he finishes the Aramco Services Half Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Per Ekegerd, left, and Zach Cater-Cyker sprint to the finish line in the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Per Ekegerd, left, and Zach Cater-Cyker sprint to the finish line in the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Clare Reilly is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Clare Reilly is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Chris Moran is on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Chris Moran is on his way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After a short early morning rain, runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile.

After a short early morning rain, runners make their way down University Blvd. on the 13th mile.

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A runner makes a pit stop at a residential construction as runners pass in the Heights near the 5-mile mark during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday.

A runner makes a pit stop at a residential construction as runners pass in the Heights near the 5-mile mark during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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After getting married during a short ceremony with family and friends in Eleanor Tinsley Park near the 24th mile, Roman Rabourn and his wife Melissa Rabourn (formerly Manson) run back onto Allen Pkwy near the 24th mile during. less

After getting married during a short ceremony with family and friends in Eleanor Tinsley Park near the 24th mile, Roman Rabourn and his wife Melissa Rabourn (formerly Manson) run back onto Allen Pkwy near the ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Julio Quintana, 51, of Houston, is worked on by a medical crew after suffering form cramps in his legs while running along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon. Quintana stood up and slowly made his way toward the finish line after being treated. less

Julio Quintana, 51, of Houston, is worked on by a medical crew after suffering form cramps in his legs while running along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon. Quintana stood up and ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Kimberly McCulloch (left) and Kelley Horton cheer on runners as they run along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, in Houston.

Kimberly McCulloch (left) and Kelley Horton cheer on runners as they run along Allen Pkwy on the 24th mile during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, in Houston.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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A woman stands under an umbrella while watching the Chevron Houston Marathon.

A woman stands under an umbrella while watching the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Runner near the finish line of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Runner near the finish line of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Daniel Chidester celebrates as he nears the finish line of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Daniel Chidester celebrates as he nears the finish line of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Medical personnel attend to Jackie Watchel after Watchel collapsed after crossing the finish line in the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Medical personnel attend to Jackie Watchel after Watchel collapsed after crossing the finish line in the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Clare Reilly is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Clare Reilly is on her way to finishing the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Top runners begin arriving for USA Track and Field marathon Olympic Trials